Tom Jones Album: “20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: T”

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Tom Jones is certainly a budget priced CD for those of us on a budget; but I'm not so sure that it truly has all of his "best" hits. The quality of the sound, however, is quite good and the artwork is about par for this CD series.

"It's Not Unusual" starts the CD set with Tom singing his best--and that's pretty darn good! Tom sings with all his heart and I can see why he would appeal to women. Tom possesses the ability to sing a song and make you feel he's singing it directly to you; and that's no small feat. "What's New Pussycat" has a fine melody and Tom aces this easily. Tom handles the tempo changes like the pro he is and he never misses a note. "What's New Pussycat" is another strong track on this album.

"Thunderball" is quite a dramatic ballad that lets Tom show off the operatic qualities of his fine voice. "Thunderball" really shines when Tom sings it; and I predict you'll enjoy this number. "Green, Green Grass Of Home" has a slight country twist to it and this enhances the natural beauty of the ballad. The backup chorus bolsters Tom's performance and the keyboard work adds a lot to the musical arrangement.

"(It Looks Like) I'll Never Fall In Love Again" features Tom squarely front and center--and he deserves it! Tom Jones sings this ballad with great sensitivity and this amazes me. "Delilah" is a number that I always enjoyed; this was a huge hit for Tom Jones and I imagine it's still one of his greatest hits ever. "Delilah" has a very strong arrangement and Tom delivers this very well. The percussion strengthens the music that accompanies Tom as well.

"Love Me Tonight" has Tom at his best yet again! Tom handles subtle tempo and key changes very well and the backup chorus sounds very well on this tune. The brass enhances the music and "Love Me Tonight" really works very well. "She's A Lady" is another huge lifetime hit for Tom Jones; "She's A Lady" is a very special ballad that Tom sings flawlessly. "She's A Lady" lets Tom to sing about his one true love and he makes this a masterpiece in his capable hands!

The CD ends with Tom Jones performing "I (Who Have Nothing)." This passionate ballad gets the royal treatment from Tom and this makes a solid ending to this album.

Tom Jones is one of the most talented male singers who ever lived; and this CD proves it. Yes, it is budget priced; but I had hoped that it would have another song or two. However, we do get twelve songs; and that's not too bad. This CD is best geared toward the casual fan or people just discovering Tom's artistry. Diehard fans should continue to look for more substantial CDs.

For something called "The Millennium Collection" you'd expect something...unusual. Still, we get the rare chance to get "Thunderball" included along with the other expected hits on this 12-tuner. (It seems scarce to me other than on big collections). I would not have purchased this cassette if that incredible movie theme was not used here.

Tom Jones ofcourse is one of the very few pop singers who has a *great voice* - meaning he's got pipes and he knows how to use 'em. Jackie Wilson, Roy Orbison, and Elvis (when he felt like it) could move mountains with one note, which any seasoned Opera singer could envy, but Tom sang just about every note with mind-boggling intensity. Sometimes that intensity covered a lack of emotional depth - listen to the country-based "Detroit City" or the Clyde McPhatter/Little Richard ballad classic "Without Love (There Is Nothing)" - Tom just enjoys his craft and paying homage to his forerunners. On both tunes the spoken part comes off a little shallow. But when he gets into the verse...it's forgotten.

The aforementioned "Thunderball" is a supreme example of a power ballad as perfomed by TJ. His breath control, vibrato, and phrasing is quite astonishing.

There are two purely *pop* items, the after-hours-juke-box number "Daughter Of Darkness", and the very well-known "She's A Lady", a melodic Paul Anka composition given full attention by Tom. The lyric has lost some resonance by 2000, though.

Another personal favorite is "Love Me Tonight" another quintessential "beat ballad": the build-up to the closing note is amazing.

"I'll Never Fall In Love Again" by Donegan/Currie is presumed to be based in part on the old song "Wanderin'" by Kaye and it certainly succeeds as a rewrite. (Fans dig his performance on "The Music Scene" (MPI videocassette).

"It's Not Unusual" is always fun (another footnote: dig the Dells' original on Vee Jay - "Forty Years Of Vee Jay Hits" CD box set).

And how could I forget the first Tom Jones single I bought - "What's New Pussycat". It's a big, bold statement, a rockin' waltz, full of sass and swagger. I was in my first stage as an Elvis Presley fan at that time, but El's current output had almost nothing like this. Maybe Elvis felt the same way - when he returned to Vegas in '69 there was a decided increase in his decibel level on stage. (By the way, for you EP diehards, yes, Presley's version of "Without Love" was actually better).

When it's all said and done, Tom managed to get Country and Soul noticed by the ladies in the 30+ group. And he did it with plenty of flash...and talent.

(...)Why did'nt they added some more tracks for a even bettercompilation special. Because he had did some great work missing herelike "Chills And Fever" "Thunderball" (from the James Bond 007 movie) & "I'm Not Responsible". Once you've buy this CD you'll understand that they've should have pulled out some more songs from one of the greatest singers, legends in the world. So stick to getting 'The Best of Tom Jones' album it's a really good CD.(...) END

A Wonderful collection of Tom Jone's greatest hits.Bought it for myself but my fourteen year old daughter swiped it !

I was named for one of Tom's song and grew up listening to him and many others. When I listen to it i remeber a simpler time and a happy time.